CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most abundant active ingredient found in cannabis (marijuana). While it is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin to marijuana, or is manufactured in a laboratory. CBD comes from the cannabis plant, which people refer to as hemp or marijuana depending on the amount of THC they contain. CBD is extracted from the flower of the cannabis plant and combined with fatty carrier bases such as hemp oil (produced from hemp seeds) or MCT (produced from coconut) to form a raw paste.
This paste is then used to make CBD oil, which can be found in a variety of products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath baths, drinks and foods. There is an increasing interest in CBD as a therapy for various conditions, but currently only one product has been approved by the FDA. Interestingly, a single dose of CBD was found to cause men to experience a smaller than normal increase in blood pressure in response to tests (2). Additionally, CBD may help reduce some cancer-related symptoms and side effects related to cancer treatment such as nausea, vomiting and pain.
All physicians should be aware of the impact not only of THC but also of CBD on the treatment and prescription of pharmaceuticals to CBD consumers. Furthermore, scientists have discovered that certain components of cannabis including CBD are responsible for its analgesic effects. Anyone who is taking CBD, whether as a prescription drug or in other forms, should first consult with their doctor. Researchers believe that CBD's ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems may provide benefits to people with neurological disorders.
It is also added to foods, beverages, dietary supplements and body care products and these products are often marketed as a way to improve stress, pain and sleep problems. In addition, some research suggests that CBD may alleviate the symptoms of rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia. Furthermore, CBD-infused alcoholic beverages have recently appeared on the market, causing some to question the safety of combining CBD and alcohol. Basically, hemp plants generally contain more CBD while cannabis plants contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that causes the “high” that people associate with cannabis use.
Among other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, CBD is one of the most important components of cannabis.
